Susana Maria Penley

Susana Penley, “Susie”, our Mom, Grandma, and Best Friend, left us to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026. Susie turned 80 this past February, but God had given Susie the most beautiful young soul.

Susie was born in Havana, Cuba February 7, 1946, to Teresa and Ranulfo Sierra. Susie spent her very young years in Havana, growing up around the Sierra and Marrero families. In 1954, when Susie was 8, she emigrated from Cuba to the United States with her parents and her older sister, Maria. They settled in Miami, Florida, and her parents opened a small business, a photography studio, in downtown Miami. Susie grew up in Miami around the extended family of her Mami and Papi, including many aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. They were a close family celebrating many occasions together in a traditional Cuban culture.

Susie attended school in Miami, graduating from Edison High School in 1963. She spent most of her adult life in Miami, eventually working for and retiring from Florida International University, where she had the closest group of co-workers, who became like family to her.

Susie married and is survived by her son Jason Penley, who was the center of her world. She lived with the purpose to raise Jason and love and support him in every way. When Jason married Sonya, whom she treated like her own daughter with all the same love and passion she gave to Jason.

Susie moved to Tallahassee almost 20 years ago, in 2008, to be closer to Jason, Sonya, and her two granddaughters, Lexi and Sophia, who were the love and light of her life. Susie spent the next 20 years being the do-it-all Grandma, at every school sport and dance event. Vacationing with them and being there for them always.

Susie was a true friend to all who were lucky enough to know her, and they knew that. Her care and love for all always shone brightly, even until her last day.

Susie is preceded in death by her parents, Teresa and Ranulfo Sierra, and her sister Maria.

As would be Susie’s wish, there will be a Rosary in her honor at 1:30 PM before her Mass. The funeral Mass at Blessed Sacrament in Tallahassee, Florida will be held March 7, 2026, at 2:00PM. All of her family and friends are invited to join the family after her mass in the Parish Hall for light refreshments and to celebrate her life.

Susie will be laid to her final resting place in May at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn North Cemetery, alongside her parents in Miami, Florida.

Susie will be forever in our hearts and so very greatly missed beyond belief.